Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Spanaway, WA

Camp Lakeview's pet-friendly sites near Spanaway accommodate tents, RVs, glamping options, and cabins with lakefront access. Lewis North Travel Camp on Joint Base Lewis McChord welcomes pets with full hookup sites and waterfront locations ideal for dog owners who have military access. Each campground limits guests to two dogs per reservation and maintains clean, heated restroom facilities with regular maintenance. Established campgrounds in the area provide designated areas for dogs to exercise, though most require pets to remain leashed outside of designated areas. Campers report the staff at these locations are consistently helpful with pet-related inquiries and accommodations. The campgrounds maintain reasonable pet policies without additional fees for standard pets.

The region's campgrounds offer numerous trails and water access points where dogs can accompany their owners. Paths around American Lake at JBLM Travel Camp provide morning exercise opportunities for dogs and their owners, while Camp Lakeview's waterfront location allows for swimming opportunities during warmer months. Most campgrounds maintain pet waste stations throughout the property to help owners keep the grounds clean. Nearby camping options like Riverbend Campground feature riverside tent sites where pets can cool off during summer stays. When planning visits with pets, campers should note that while alcohol consumption is permitted at most locations, Camp Lakeview strictly prohibits it. The camp store at many locations stocks pet essentials in case supplies run low during extended stays. Wildlife encounters are possible at these wooded campgrounds, so keeping dogs leashed is essential for both wildlife and pet safety.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Spanaway, Washington (178)

    1. Dash Point State Park Campground

    72 Reviews
    Federal Way, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $20 / night

    "Firstly, I just have to say what a positive and amazing experience I had at this campground. The volunteers were friendly, kind and absolutely awesome to interact with."

    "The campground itself is tucked into a beautiful, forested area with plenty of trees and privacy between sites. Ours had a tent pad, fire ring, and picnic table."

    2. Lewis North Travel Camp - Joint Base Lewis McChord

    7 Reviews
    DuPont, WA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 967-7744

    $12 - $35 / night

    "Unfortunately the restrooms right next to our site were closed so it was a slight walk to the nearest restroom. Restrooms were heated and well taken care of."

    "Very friendly next to the lake plenty of things to do walking, biking, hiking, fishing, Military museums, not to far off of I-5. Full hookups laundry shower facilities. Cabins too."

    3. Penrose Point State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Lakebay, WA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $32 / night

    "Penrose Point State Park is a great place close to Seattle to go camping in a small or large group. It's tent or camper friendly with plenty of spots for busier seasons."

    "Pros: group camp is very close to beach front area, GREAT CLAMMING AND OYSTERING!"

    4. Camp Murray Beach

    4 Reviews
    DuPont, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 584-5411

    $8 - $32 / night

    "This was a beautiful pet friendly camp site showers water to play in animal friendly all around beautiful and amazing"

    "Need to reserve your site online with the JBLM MWR or go to the adventure center building nearby on base. Nice access to American Lake and fishing nearby as well."

    5. Riverbend Campground

    7 Reviews
    DuPont, WA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 491-2534

    "This site does is a back in, but the slab is at a 90 degree angle from the drive.  So you will have to back your trailer around a corner if you plan to park it on the slab. "

    "Friendly staff, nice river walks and nice picnic spots. Children and dog play grounds."

    6. Camp Lakeview

    7 Reviews
    Eatonville, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 879-5426

    "This campground has super friendly staff, decent bathrooms and showers, laundry facility, access to a lake, fishing is welcome, swimming allowed, great playground for kids, allows pets, has a small store"

    "It was a larger site that sits next to the small creek. It was very pleasant and quiet. The bath house isn’t too far and was usually well stocked and clean."

    7. Alder Lake Park

    31 Reviews
    La Grande, WA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 569-2778

    "They were also very dog friendly, they had a pet post outside the bathrooms and poop bags available."

    "It's about an hours drive from Paradise, which makes it less ideal than Cougar Rock if that's your destination, but the reservations do not fill up nearly as quickly."

    8. Elkamp Eastcreek

    37 Reviews
    Mineral, WA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 492-3104

    $25 - $40 / night

    "This is a great place to stay, clean, creek access, tons of space for dogs to play in the field, nice little trail access from the field next to the campground."

    "We stayed at site #10 it is a fantastic pull through site super close to the creek(if you want to be real close check out site #3). Super dog friendly and nice big sites."

    9. Millersylvania State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Tenino, WA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 226-7688

    $12 - $45 / night

    "This is a very nice, typical Washington state park with plenty of trees, greenery, hiking, pathways and even a lake."

    "This is a beautiful park located on Deep Lake just outside of Olympia.  The park itself is huge offering lots of options for campers.  "

    10. Sun Outdoors Gig Harbor

    10 Reviews
    Gig Harbor, WA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (253) 858-8138

    $57 - $104 / night

    "Pet friendly, but not many attractions for children (no playground, no pool)."

    "New laundry room almost complete, small dog run, exterior dog bath, clean restrooms, very accommodating staff, 1st Friday movie night. Landscaping needs more improvement. Coming back next year."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 178 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Spanaway, WA

1442 Reviews of 178 Spanaway Campgrounds


  • Carla S.
    Jul. 31, 2016

    Dash Point State Park Campground

    Dash Point Beach

    Really cute camp spot and play area!! Pet friendly and dog park! Went here on our trip to Tacoma north of the city. Very nice beach and area!! There's also a light house to check out while you are here!

  • P
    Jun. 14, 2022

    Silver Springs Campground

    New Favorite Spot

    This is my new favorite spot to camp in Washington. The spaces are well distributed, the location right next to the river is beautiful and the site staff were extremely gracious. I’d strongly recommend picking a number between 2 and 10 as those are the closest sights to the river if you’re looking to enjoy the sounds of the water. There is also a full bathroom at around the mid 20s if you’d prefer a functional toilet system.

  • Daniel L.
    Aug. 6, 2018

    Ike Kinswa State Park Campground

    On Mayfield Lake

    The Mayfield Lake is the main attraction. Be sure to visit the day use area across the road for lake access with swimming, picnic, and a dog park on the water.

    Very good privacy for the standard campsite loop. Standard campsites are either pull through or back in.

    There's a trail around the edge of the lake in campsite loop. Find the point, you wont be disappointed.

  • cheriana G.
    Jun. 22, 2023

    Lake Pleasant RV Park

    Best option near seattle

    There aren’t many rv parks that are close (35ish mins) to Seattle but this is the best option. Office staff is friendly, bathrooms are clean, laundry is cheap ($1 wash), maintenance staff is constantly tending to the grounds, full hook ups, and cute (short) hiking paths surrounding the park. The lake is more of a murky pond and the geese are happy residents here so expect a lot of goose poop at any spot near the water. There’s also no dog park.

  • Natalie S.
    Sep. 15, 2021

    American Heritage Campground

    Great RV site

    Comfortable peaceful if it had wifi it would be perfect. The dog park is a wonderful addition.

  • Jake R.
    Nov. 5, 2023

    American Heritage Campground

    Great campground right before Olympic NP

    Great campground right before Olympic national park. Facilities are amazing and great dog park! Host was very friendly and took great care of us.

  • Christine L.
    Apr. 13, 2020

    Holiday Park Military - Lewis McChord Base

    NW Adventure Center

    Excellent location for those with military access to the base - active duty, retired or family. 30/50 amp hookups. Beautiful views of American Lake. Pet friendly.

  • M
    Jun. 29, 2021

    Issaquah Village RV Park

    Parking lot feels

    This camp ground is not ideal if you have dogs. There is not much grass, in fact you have to go outside the park and across the street to hear compliant pet owner. We also found the electric box to be a little wonky. They office staff did have an adapter which help. It was very quiet and clean just not the most attractive campground.


Guide to Spanaway

Camping options around Spanaway include multiple state parks, military campgrounds, and private facilities within 30 miles of the city. The area's mild climate with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F makes camping comfortable from May through September, though rainfall increases significantly after October. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 300-500 feet, providing accessible terrain for campers of all experience levels.

What to do

Paddling and swimming opportunities: Dash Point State Park provides shoreline access with multiple water recreation options. "The beach and its tides are why we came," notes Ingrid M., who visited with her children. Facilities support both casual and experienced paddlers.

Wildlife viewing spots: Bird watching and deer spotting opportunities abound at camping areas throughout the region. "Lots of kids on the roadways," reports Joe C. about Lewis North Travel Camp, highlighting the family-friendly atmosphere where wildlife sightings occur regularly along walking paths.

Fishing access points: Many local campgrounds offer fishing opportunities with designated docks or shore access. "The campground was beautiful! There's a day use lake and we had a wonderful time camping here!" shares Brittany L. about her experience at Dash Point, where anglers frequently catch trout and bass depending on the season.

What campers like

Clean restroom facilities: Visitors consistently mention well-maintained bathroom facilities. "Bathrooms are older but clean. Need to buy tokens for the shower," reports Kate B. at Penrose Point State Park. Most campgrounds offer heated facilities with regular maintenance schedules.

Private, spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the thoughtful site layouts. "I was impressed by how spread apart the sites were, I think they could have fit another in between each of them!" comments Katie S. about her experience at Dash Point State Park, reflecting the privacy-conscious design at several area campgrounds.

Quick access to services: Campers appreciate the convenience of nearby towns for supplies. "Civilization is only about 15 minutes away. There's a grocery store, takeout options, and even coffee if you're feeling soft," notes Saraj B., highlighting the practical advantages for campers who forget essentials.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Spanaway require advance bookings during peak season (May-September). "Using during a PCS while waiting for a home offer. Nice facilities and decent size sites," explains Joe C. about his stay at Lewis North Travel Camp, which accommodates military families with specific reservation policies.

Military access restrictions: Some of the best facilities have limited access. "Bottom line, this is a DoD facility, so will be helpful for Active, Reserve, Retired military only," clarifies Michael C. about the Travel Camp at Joint Base Lewis McChord, which offers exceptional amenities but requires military credentials.

Seasonal water levels: Lake and river conditions fluctuate throughout the camping season. "Usually when water is at normal level the beach is all sand and water is clean and clear," notes Natashinka C. at Alder Lake Park. Water activities may be limited during certain periods when levels are intentionally lowered.

Tips for camping with families

Playground facilities: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "There is a playground next to a volleyball court and basketball court. A small beach with a large dock was available for use during the day as well as a boat launch and fishing dock," writes Julia B. about her family's experience at Camp Lakeview.

Dog-friendly hiking trails: Families with pets appreciate the accessible trail networks. "Great if you don't want to be too far from the city. I was impressed by how spread apart the sites were," comments Katie S., highlighting options for dog owners seeking pet-friendly campgrounds near Spanaway with accessible walking paths.

Safety considerations: Parents note the importance of water safety protocols. "The beach is a short walk from camp, just long enough to make you feel like you earned your sunset view," explains Saraj B., emphasizing the need for supervision at water access points which typically lack lifeguards.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: RV campers should note varying levels of service connections. "Sites and restrooms were clean. We had a great time exploring the beaches," shares Rachel about Riverbend Campground, which offers water and electrical connections but limited sewer hookups, requiring use of the dump station.

Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional preparation for larger vehicles. "Full hookups available, showers are older but clean," notes Kate B., pointing out that while amenities exist, RVers should bring leveling blocks as many sites throughout the region have slight grades.

Seasonal site availability: RV options change throughout the year at most locations. "The park is on their winter schedule so only sites 1-7 and 226-248 were open," reports Christina F. during a Thanksgiving stay at Millersylvania State Park, highlighting the importance of checking seasonal closures before planning trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Spanaway, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Spanaway, WA is Dash Point State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 72 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Spanaway, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 178 dog-friendly camping locations near Spanaway, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.